Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto - 1st movement (Benjamin Zander - Interpretation Class)

For more classes like this one, please visit the Benjamin Zander Center - www.benjaminzander.org/
Yoojin Jang, violin and Dina Vainshtein, piano
Interpretations of Music: Lessons for Life
with Benjamin Zander
Dave Jamrog Audio/Video

[@d_mosimann]

She adaptes VERY fast to what Zander is telling her. THAT's a real professional and talented musician! My greatest respect for her!

[@mattmrs]

that’s almost entirely because of his demeanour and approach - he lets her know how much he values everything she is doing - establishes trust and confidence - and the response follows

[@davidfreel1451]

@@mattmrs Almost entirely ? LOL

[@atomicbeans]

👍 I think she has got it in herself! She was probably initially worried of making mistakes, so she decided to play it safely, but with more inhibition. Benjamin Zander has the power of making students relaxed and confident. With that, he frees her and allows her to show her own potential, even to herself! Absolutely amazing musician and educator!

[@danoliver1525]

Damn. I need to practice.

[@benmeitzen4184]

Ha same here

[@prithvithakur8165]

40 hours a day

[@kehwa]

Don't worry. Even she didn't play perfectly...

[@SandyKristal]

@@prithvithakur8165 You missed it! Do NOT practice!!

[@Judexy22]

Me, too !

[@sinephase]

this guy should never die. I wish I had that much passion at my age, let alone 76.

[@WasemNator]

Passion is ageless

[@chocolatesarebetter]

I just watched his Ted Talk if I am not mistaken, from 2004 or 2006 and it was so inspiring that you you said came to my mind.

[@whatisiswhatable]

You do, you just need to exercise it

[@dakotamcmillan]

I literally tweeted at him to mention cryopreservation because I’m thinking the same. This feels like serendipity

[@benkim2016]

Musicians never retire until death!

[@musicfan238able]

The soloist found something extra; the accompanist was inspired; the audience added to their own pleasure and I loved Mendelssohn a little bit more. Inspiring.

[@jojogarcia8766]

*pianist, difference is skill level. Cheers lovely!

[@paacer]

Thanks for mentioning the accompanist , brilliant playing from both .

[@proxima-nova]

Her original was absolutely phenomenal to begin with. I didn't think it could get better, but once she took Zander's suggestions her performance really stood out from many professional recordings I've heard. Especially loved the faster allegro appassionato tempo to help the music move in longer phrases. Great player, and great teacher! Thanks for posting :)

[@siew-hongkoe5340]

Sploot y

[@WalterMelones]

Some of the softer arpegios (not the stacatto ones) are a bit sloppy, and the huge crescendos are a bit rushed, like she's just getting the build up out of the way so she can ejoy the climax. I'd do it too. These critiscisms do not detract from the tears I've had streaming down my face listening. This song was brilliantly performed. One of the better stories I've heard in music. She has my grattitude and thanks.

[@piano.music88]

@@WalterMelones it's not a song, it's a PIECE.

[@thatsEforEveryone]

@@piano.music88 you know what? Period

[@inequil1026]

Totally agree. I have listened to this Mendelssohn concert many times played by many world-class violinist and Yoojin made it interesting to listen to the concert again. Her interpretation is beautiful!

[@Kawaiiization]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a perfect example of how to actually give feedback?

[@samlebauer1101]

Nothing could be more wonderful w great musicians and phenomenal interpreter. Thanks for sharing.

[@joecamel2750]

No, sir, you are not.

[@avatar098]

Benjamin Zander's mind is completely on a much higher level of understanding of the music than mine will ever be. It's clear that he is passionate about the music. I shall practice some more.

[@BrunoCoelho]

He said himself in this lesson... it's not about "practicing more" but rather about "feeling more" and adding more of that feeling into your playing as intended by the composer.

[@reflechant]

He knows A LOT about history of music. I suppose it's partly the source of his insights.

[@zeininsky]

You need to practice 40 hours a day or Ling Ling won't visit you

[@djmotise]

Why would you say this? And don't worship others like that. Don't belittle yourself.

[@adamdonahue2079]

darren motise I don’t think it was really belittling.

[@OaktownGirl]

I am so grateful for these B. Zander classes being posted. They are such a joy.

[@ryanmusser5557]

OaktownGirl - just discovered these and I couldn’t agree more; they’re an absolute joy!

[@micahsnow346]

Wish there were even more!

[@Alexandra-sd4yy]

They stress me out, but I am also grateful

[@justusveruslibertas624]

She plays like a Goddes... 😊

[@comnymph]

She is already a top class violinist.

[@kehwa]

Nope. She's really good though! She made a few mistakes on the first page. Her sound could be more mature.

[@XxGamerCouncilxX]

@@kehwa you could pick out a few recordings in history of better quality. I would say oistrakh, ray chen, and vengerov are of course superior, but what is the point of being critical in such a way. I heard this piece performed with the artosphere symphony live the other day and this performance is at least on the same level

[@emilyscloset2648]

@bassguitarlover 93 I've listened to Hahn's recording of this many times over the years and yes while she is good, there is a stark contrast. String crossings aren't always as clean and dynamics not as well refined. It's just not as polished as a performance

[@levolvik5231]

I love Anne-sophie Mutter on that

[@cooldude5699]

Master of None on the other hand, Hahn has a much better tone, intonation and a stronger overall technique. I agree with her lack of a wide dynamic range though.

[@viniciuspessoa3872]

When you leave technique behind and enter in the realm of interpretation, it´s another demension indeed. It takes decades to master the technique though, unfortunately this joy is not for everyone

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

This happens in electric guitar playing with players like Tony Macalpine where his improv is just mind melting. He feels the sound and his hands just go there giving texture and sound that is very unique.

[@djmotise]

It doesn't take decades. There are teens and many young adults who can play anything, technically speaking. They are already virtuosos. And many are already fine musicians. Of course they will always continue to learn and grow greatly, but their technique is flawless and fluent. It's what they do with it that matters most. And they become greater artists as the years go by.

[@Checkmate1138]

@@djmotise Realistically, I'd say 10 years time is a good barometer for how someone who is dedicated can improve from when they first learn music to where they can be most comfortable with technical ability ("comfort" being relative to each individual musician, of course)

[@MsPea]

@@djmotise -- Technical ability is not all there is to music. As you say, even teens can master technique. It's interpretation, color and dynamics that are difficult to come by and some technically excellent players never have them.

[@tlast7089]

it is for everyone who wants

[@MrBazH]

Have loved this concerto for as long as I remember, but Ms Jang's playing stopped me in my tracks after only a few bars. She definitely has 'it' and I'm certain she has a brilliant career ahead of her. Zander brings out the nuances and his musicality makes this one of the best interpretations I've ever heard. I actually got goosebumps... Would love to hear her do the whole thing with an orchestra and Zander conducting. That really would be something to relish.

[@xchopp]

Seconded! This was just.... gorgeous... wonderful. I like Julia Fisher's interpretation too, but somehow this was more passionate. Is it the more intimate venue? I don't think so; I think it's the playing: just outstanding. OK, I'll admit it, I was in tears.

[@elr1cbros]

Shout out to the accompanying pianist, she is also excellent, as well as the violinist

[@franzliszt9743]

elr1cbros eh

[@esthershih5575]

ive played as both cello soloist and pianist. It's definitely more pressure as the accompanist, personally at least. The whole time I was pooping bricks, my jaw was clenched so tightly. Since the accompanist usually tries to follow the soloist, since they like to add rubato, or things like ritardandos. Of course, the soloist isn't going to go too crazy, but god, I reeally don't like being the accompanist. It's like, well, onions kind of. If cooked right, they taste amazing and goes along with the main dish. If prepared poorly, GOD its horrible.

[@ardavalilable]

Just WOW, that improvisation was just astounding! incredible talent!

[@MooNAtyX]

Having had/seen only masterclasses lead by violinists, it's fascinating to see a violin masterclass lead by a conductor ! no technique, just music, seeing the whole texture as one, talking as much to the soloist as to the accompanist... I love this, it's so much more interesting !

[@theharry801]

Bejamin Zander breathes sooo much life into music

[@noravinci]

I’m not even into music theory, I have to prepare for my exams on programming and finance rn, but damn this dude is so interesting to listen to, I just wish my profs were like that

[@violinhunter2]

One of the principal roles of a teacher - especially at this level - is to inspire and motivate his pupils and that is what Maestro Zander is quite able to do. Bravo!

[@SantoshKuppens]

Not only does this contain wonderful advice for her (wouldn’t think there was any after hearing her play in the beginning), but the way he shares his knowledge and advice is done them in the most heartwarming and respectful way possible. What a great time to live in, making it possible to see these masterclasses in good quality!

[@AngelVazquez-xh1dh]

Paying attention just to the piano and I really value the virtuosity of the woman, she has a lot of work since she has to accommodate and adapt to the changing tempo of the violinist girl. That woman has and did a wonderful job.

[@isaacliu._.6899]

She had a Hillary Hahn type of playstyle in the beginning and then it slowly developed into one that was more of her own. Great class and the player was not bad at all.

[@VR_JPN]

The unpretentious passion here is so refreshing. I love how Ben works with the pianist and the delight of the kind audience.

[@ismaelsoto9680]

Love her tone.

[@Pitborn]

;-)

[@EngPheniks]

I love how Zander puts all his heart and soul into what he is doing. many are conductors just by name. many simply "conduct the music" with an absence of emotion

[@lindsay3764]

I swear, at least a thousand of those views are from me. She is such a pleasure to listen to and tells a story through her playing while Benjamin is such a master of his art. He doesn’t care much about playing anything perfectly, he just wants all the emotion and joy of playing to come out. Shoutout to the accompanist too, she was absolutely amazing.

[@stevea.b.9282]

Benjamin Zander is the personification of Life itself.

[@leef7112]

no ❤️

[@stevea.b.9282]

@@leef7112 incorrect. ☀️

[@reki7786]

15:40 The difference in her playing is outstanding. It feels like an entirely different piece. It is so good!

[@jorgphilipps428]

Kann mich nicht sattsehen und -hören, großartige Leistung von allen Dreien, mit so viel Spielfreude und der immer wieder überwältigenden Freude und Leidenschaft für die Musik durch Mr. Zander. Möge er der Welt noch ganz lange erhalten bleiben. Danke, Danke, Danke...

[@charlesdavis7087]

Dear Maestro Zander; From my point of view, you are one of those rare 'beings' that actually radiate Music. Your passion is contagious. I've seen it before but not often. The students grow right in front you. Marvelous and..... Congratulations!!!!

[@anissteevan6676]

Most of guys will think he is insane but only musicians and classical music lovers will understand what he is doing is fantastic ☺️☺️☺️

[@tekgewet]

his understanding of phrasing, musicality in general, and the history is insane

[@JLX5]

Excellent lesson from Mr. Zander. Exquisite playing from Ms. Yang! She has all she needs to have a great career. Really impressive. She really grasps the musical ideas quickly and she is so flexible to let go of her interpretation and try something new that will for sure make her a much richer musician and player. Bravo to all!

[@patrick6110]

Really extraordinary, best violinist I have seen in a Zander class. She's seriously good. See how quickly she gets and adapts to Zander's directions. Unsurprisingly she's now a professional artist and won a bunch of coveted prizes. Well done!

[@k.y.6148]

People who can take instruction always rise to the top!

[@benkim2016]

Korean violinist again😁😁 1 of the 50 best Straverius violins she has and now an assistant professor at Eastman! Congrats!

[@violintegral]

Damn... she needs an orchestra to play that with!

[@jasonkang3557]

She's playing as soloist at my orchestra!! @Harrison Loeffler

[@Lyblix]

Jason Kang l hopefully it gets posted on KZbin! If so, do link!

[@maggieng9117]

Bill R. I couldn’t find this exact piece but here is her playing with an orchestra kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaCoiX-rjduki9k

[@alyssah2932]

if you look up her name with mendellsohn violin concerto there’s one from august where she’s playing with an orchestra! it’s phe.nom.en.al.

[@nottach1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqjPqYWriatsnLM

[@HarryP457]

Ben's ability to bring out all the emotion in the music is fantastic.

[@negritacar]

I started crying right after the 1st note of her "alegro molto appassionato"

[@Mr.Koray07]

1:58 that kid is all like "damn, i need to practice."

[@kaseo1708]

Or he's just bored xD

[@benjaminlyczkowski465]

That’s me from 3 years ago 😂 I’m a trumpeter in the Boston youth symphony now

[@lkrader1]

@@benjaminlyczkowski465 lmao that's cool lol. I thought you were looking entranced lol

[@nowisreal]

I can feel the teacher's love towards the music and his respect towards the players and the passions for what he does. Such an inspiring class he gives!

[@phillipbaritone3843]

Mr. Zander is a true ambassador, who by his very presence has the ability to change the nature of these musicians playing into more closely what the composer intended. I love these classes!

[@mroberts5978]

16:45 his hand motions are exactly what I’m feeling, this guy has such a strong inward and outward connection to music, and people/composers, and life and everything

[@lucasperez7149]

so true

[@tulpannengpet]

this is when student actually listen to the teacher.

[@Slynell1]

When teachers actually taught.

[@bilbo_gamers6417]

She's not just listening. Her being able to apply what he says so quickly shows her incredible skill

[@FranzFischerSDG]

One of the best and historical appointment by Mr. Chester Williams was to appoint B. Zander as a member of Faculty at NEC and Gunther Schuller starting Jaz Department. How much Boston Music society benefitted because of B. Zander is immeasurable.

[@panossolo909]

BEN IS SUCH AN INSPIRATION to any music enthusiast who is keen to get more value out of any piece! Let alone his love for life at the age of 76 or more! I cannot stop watching his masterclass videos!

[@shonen84]

What I found striking is that after listening to Mr. Zander's talk, I found new layers to Brett Yang's performance of the Mendelssohn concerto. I had always loved his tone and phrasings but I now realize why I like it so much: it was a very personal performance. It was strikingly genuine, where his online persona fuses with his musicianship. Classical music sure is amazing. Ps, of course don't want to steal the thunder from Ms. Jang's wonderful playing here, and the way she interacts and picks up on mr. Zander's suggestions. Master class indeed.

[@VK-pk8uz]

This man. Not only is he on a level entirely above all others', but he also elevates this girl-as he speaks, as she plays, and right where they stand-into the fucking stratosphere. What a treat.

[@tspark1071]

One of the best Mendelssohn VC playings I've ever listened to. Flawless and beautiful. Allegro molto appassionata.

[@howardcohen6817]

10:40 "You need practising like New York needs more traffic." (But I love to practise!) Nevertheless, spot on.

[@beimilyvan]

What a delightful Benjamin Zander exposition. I am not a musician, but I enjoy like everyone in the saloon, starting with Prof. Zander, he enjoys and spreads all the best feelings, as well as the great violinist and the intensive music. It was a gorgeous magistral class, so special as the people, the music, and the moment, the lovely player. What a cathexsis, it's an art that only brilliant people like Prof. Benjamin Zander can express. It's a privilege for the students to have the attention and knowledge of a such valuable Person, God Bless you Prof. Benjamin Zander!

[@fernandos5048]

Improvements almost make her sound as Issac Stern performance, these interpretation classes are the best

[@josechrist3948]

Mrs.Yoojin Jang is playing stars from heaven, it what a wonderful world we are living! We can go to heaven and return whenever we like to do, thanks to this wonderful beautiful young lady!

[@albertoknox7673]

EXACT! it would be interesting to know what has become of her. I wish her al the best that she would reach millions of people with her music...

[@bennyboost]

Lol the poor accompanist isn't getting away with anything either!

[@aznbryanc]

thoughts and prayers for that poor accompanist

[@user-li9vq8hw6p]

Ben 🤣🤣

[@AVelez83012]

YOU get a lesson, YOU get a lesson, EVERYONE GETS A LESSON!!!

[@tvdb1169]

Pianist*

[@sinephase]

lol awesome!

[@alienpioneer]

Still searching for my jaw on the floor...

[@mapzhmarzate174]

Noooo... The one you are picking up is actually mine... Continue searching..

[@oskartang9797]

Her playing is really moving. I wish there was a full concerto played by her on youtube.

[@krzysztofq7420]

If there will be one in the future, inform me under this comment, thx

[@pinecone4146]

Krzysztof Q there is one uploaded if you search yoojin jang on KZbin

[@HKLydia]

Krzysztof Q kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqjPqYWriatsnLM

[@EdChi]

She plays this in a concert here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqjPqYWriatsnLM

[@ruscopcoltrain]

My wife is a piano teacher, mostly of young beginning students. Maybe the most difficult thing she has to get across to them is the idea that we can always make the music better, which doesn’t have to mean that you played it badly. But in music, there’s always just a little more we can squeeze out of it, no matter how good it is already. Sometimes you just need an outside set of ears to suggest something you may not have thought of. That’s what I love about these videos. No one would say that these performances were not good already. But he helps them take it to the next level.

[@-Honeybee]

The violinist is an INCREDIBLE musician... as is the accompanist.

[@nch1646]

Maestro Zander is adding the magic that makes a good musician GREAT. Dropping pearls of wisdom ...

[@cooltyt]

I have never been so moved by classical music before. The instruction and passion of Mr. Zander is almost as beautiful as the playing.

[@kimberleedray]

Loved this---so many ideas--I feel like I just had a world-class lesson. A gift. Thank you.

[@tomoki3186]

Amazing! Don't want to stop the music.

[@gabriel1chan]

The second approach is absolutely heaven. I never heard the Mendelssohn played this way. So much passion detail in interpretation.

[@TheAnonyy]

Really enjoyed that. You can see his passion for the piece.

[@evelyneloiterstein7085]

It's a privilege to listen to Mr. Zander.

[@isabel-to4os]

This is one of my favorite violin concertos so full of emotion and I love the repetition of the motif that was played in the beginning it really unifies the 1st movement and it was played beautifully here this is why I love Mendelssohn

[@DrQuizzler]

As a guy who doesn't follow classical music bigwigs as much as I used to, I'm probably speaking out of turn here. I think there was so little to be improved upon that even Maestro Zander started out by saying there was nothing to say. Ms. Jang's performance was stratospheric, both before, and after Zander's notes. He gave her some ideas to spice things up a bit more, which she ran with and made her own. The ability to do that so organically, especially under such pressure, speaks volumes. I think the Maestro captured the mood perfectly when he said in the end, "Nobody wants you to stop." She showed an openness to try new things, but I think she mostly showed that, with or without notes, she plays with her own voice.

[@Tangent999]

Thank you for this! Life gets elevated.

[@benitoe.4878]

Stunning performance. Unbelievable.

[@gj4312]

Ben transforms the music in just a few words. He makes me enjoy the music so much more.

[@paacer]

Exceptional playing, a star is born .

[@blueseruser]

This is simply wonderful , Zander brings such humor and passion to these performances. World class entertainment and given the proper venue could singlehandedly bring back a Renaissancce of Classical Music!!!! Bravo!

[@violinamore1927]

So incredible beautiful from both. Tears are rolling down my cheeks. That’s music.

[@BaharehMovahedi]

I am so grateful this wonderful class is posted . Thank you really

[@lironcon]

She plays AMAZING even before the subtle touches of the maestro. I listened to this piece countless times, it’s one of my favorites - and this performance is one of the best. It levels up to the greatest (Perlman for example). Magnificent!!

[@lovisaandren8319]

Wow. This is just mesmerising. I could hardly believe my ears hearing music interpreted as beautifully as this. This is truly wonderful.

[@mattg6262]

Ben is just so encouraging and humble and kind. It's such a joy to listen to him interact with these great talents.

[@reinhardvomschmied293]

One of my favourite classical music pieces... maybe my absolute favourite. Fantastic artist.

[@miked5201]

If I could harness the passion for ANYTHING the way he does about classical music I would die the happiest man.

[@kerrysin]

Both are equally amazing!

[@alskndlaskndal]

Nice to see so many young people in the audience, hope they'll continue to be classical music listeners and players when they get older.

[@chelsealauren1258]

Watching this made made me so inspired and happy. Master classes are about pushing you to play something better than you thought you could in such a short amount of time emotionallu and musicallu! How inspiring! She sounded so much better with these interpretations. True mastery, that man. yayyyyy

[@corriecrazy]

The first few measures of this always "squeeze" my heart--if that makes sense. It's so incredibly beautiful and emotional.

[@nancymohass4891]

Prof.Z.your comments are doors to musical heaven !!!!

[@gilbertolopesdonascimenton7580]

What a passion!!! God bless you Mr. Zander!

[@elithunder]

Beautiful to watch her take his instruction and create an even more stunning performance!!!

[@bloosy1771]

I'm trying to learn this piece at the moment and have loved it for years. I didn't think I'd watch all the way through but couldn't help myself! It was fascinating how he suggested upping the tempo. Some things to take away. 🎶

[@MsCoralyang]

Such beautiful play. The teacher is phenomenal and he made a huge difference. Love the piece.

[@Xuejinyuan]

Amazing that playing music is like sculpting, trying to form something and make it yours immortally.

[@joefagan9335]

What a beautiful violinist! Just fantastic playing.

[@tobelieve627]

Such emotional piece, I shed tears while listening to the improved version. 🤩

[@marxmovies6607]

I just love Benjamin Zander. He is a genius and a saint.

[@derik2nicolai584]

What an AMAZING violinist, really super. I love to listen to maestro Benjamin's comments, he is a treasure.

[@gabrielcodina5466]

Amazingly genuine input which is really hard to find these days. Sublime playing too.

[@wesmundo154]

This is just glorious.

[@eltonkam5747]

Very gifted musician, beautiful tone and interpretation!

[@fani5000]

Incredible performance, such privilege to behold!

[@juvenalsousajr6860]

It was the most wonderful performance that I’ve heard! I would like to say this is the perfection exemple of playing this magical concert. Congratulations Yoojin Jang! You make people reach the paradise with your performance! This is music !!! Fantastic!!!

[@jmmac3]

amazing! absolutely stunning and I agree that she is ready to go out to the real world

[@J10559]

OMG, this is just so wonderful teaching....makes me tearful with love of music even more. Thank you all of you ❤️❤️❤️

[@beimilyvan]

OMG how intensive is the emotion! B. Zander is unique! I live with his masterclass. It's a delight to see him enjoying, he has his own space, he loves as he expresses his feelings out his breast, what a witty master! God keep him for a long time to us, for our young musicians on this Earth ! Let me propose to the Academy Nobel Prizes, as a teacher in music the most complete and qualified Professor that exists!

[@EpiclyCrazyy]

its inspiring to see Zander teach every time.

[@TobiWobi7]

I am back 4 years later and as I am working for an Orchestra myself now, I am impressed by the violonist! Almost no scratching noises while playing this difficult piece as a learner... wow! Im sure she is playing for a big Orchestra by now :)

[@djimini3]

Vibrando a alma. Surreal esplendoroso. Magnífico. Perfeito. 😢😢

[@JasonBryantGreen]

Benjamin immediately transcends every player.